News: Commander’s philosophy: Operating at speed of trust

Col. Peter D. Buck, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, explains his command philosophy to Capt. Jordan Cochran, the public affairs officer, aboard Fightertown, March 22. The philosophy is focused on the Marine Corps’ three core values, six habits of thought, and six habits of action. The goal is to create an environment which strengthens the pride, unity, focus and sanctity of the special trust and confidence in the Marines aboard the Air Station.

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. - Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort welcomed Col. Peter D. Buck, the current commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, during a change of command ceremony, February 13.

As he switched gears from his former position as 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing chief of staff and settles into the rhythm of the Air Station, Buck issued his philosophy, a framework of behavioral values and expectations from which his Marines take their cue.

The philosophy is focused on the Marine Corps’ three core values, six habits of thought, and six habits of action. The goal is to create an environment which strengthens the pride, unity, focus and sanctity of the special trust and confidence in the Marines aboard the Air Station.

The core values of the Marine Corps and Buck’s philosophy are honor, courage and commitment.

The six habits of action are: obey the law, lead by example, support and defend the constitution, uphold special trust and confidence, respect yourself and others, and maintain high standards of integrity.

Buck said these attributes and values establish a behavioral foundation for his policies regarding hazing, sexual assault, equal opportunity and violence prevention, and also keeps Marines sharp, vigilant and effective in combat and garrison alike.

“We trust our fellow Marine with our life. That’s not just in combat,” said Buck. “We do not prey on each other in garrison. Instead, we protect our fellow Marines, including protecting their sexual integrity and their honorable service to our Corps.”

His command philosophy also provides perspective on what it means to be a Marine through the Marine Continuum; Marines earn trust in basic training and combat training, and continue to uphold and sustain that same trust through their service.

“The Marine Continuum depicts that active service is not an end state,” said Buck. “Upon leaving active service, we remain Marines and sustain the same special trust and confidence earned years ago and upheld throughout active service to Corps and Country.”

“Fightertown remains at the cutting edge of our Corps’ aviation arm, a function critical to our Marine Air Ground Task Force,” said Buck. “Individually, I want our Marines, sailors, civilians and families to feel a sense of ownership in the historic legacy of the Air Station and the significant events that are occurring right now at Fightertown.”

Current projects include preparation for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, F-35 Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, and Townsend Bombing Range acquisition in McIntosh County, Ga.
The Air Station also provides support services allowing tenant units to train and deploy in defense of the United States.

“I want MCAS Beaufort to excel at its mission, and I want to sustain an Air Station environment that enables our Marines, sailors, civilians and families to grow and flourish,” said Buck. “We are also committed to the health, safety and welfare of those in the communities surrounding this installation.

As the Marine Corps goes through a downsizing and reawakening, Marines are expected to internalize the messages from the commandant and sergeant major of the Marine Corps.

“I desire for us to take [our core] values, thoughts, and actions home with us and apply it in how we treat our families, friends, and neighbors in the community. This will strengthen marriages, forge lasting friendships, and cement our relationship with the community around us,” said Buck. “The greater majority of our Marines do exactly that.”

Buck’s command philosophy focuses on developing mission-oriented, unified, aggressive Marines with a strong warrior ethos and legacy of discipline, selflessness and uncommon valor to best support the forefront of Marine Corps aviation.